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The Affordable Healthcare Act stipulates that failure to carry health insurance can result in tax penalties, so if you are uninsured, you now have more motivation than ever to find coverage. Finding an affordable policy may seem like a daunting task, but today, those shopping on the private market have access to a greater number of options than ever before. With so much to choose from, how do you sort through plans, deductibles, and networks, and choose a policy that makes sense for you, your family or your employees?

An independent insurance agent who specializes in health insurance can be an excellent resource when you want to evaluate health plans. You may even discover that you can find a lower cost option through an independent agent than you can through your employer. This is because these agents can compare plans from multiple carriers to find the best fit and rates. Contact a Tri County agent and get all your questions answered right away.

How to Buy Health Insurance for Individuals and Families

If you are self-employed or you are not obtaining healthcare coverage through your employer, you need at least a basic health insurance plan to ensure that you are prepared for an unforeseen health condition or injury.

A full-coverage health insurance plan may be more suitable for your needs if you have dependents, you are getting ready to start a family, or you have a family history of certain health risks, such as heart disease. You should ensure that your healthcare plan helps you to pay for the broader set of services you need.

Use the handy checklist below to help you decide what kind of coverage may be right for you.

Healthcare Costs, Co-pays and Coinsurance

Your healthcare costs are an important factor to consider when you want to buy health insurance, and you have a number of options for managing those costs. You can choose to pay a higher deductible to lower your regular premiums, which means you need to pay that deductible amount for doctor’s visits and medical bills before your health insurance kicks in. Alternatively you can pay a higher premium in order to avoid a high out-of-pocket cost in the event of a serious illness. Bear in mind that health insurance companies are now required to cover preventive care visits (such as routine physicals, gynecological exams, and mammograms) in full so you will not pay for these visits even if you have not met your deductible.

Co-pays and coinsurance are two methods health insurance companies use to share the cost of healthcare. Co-pays are a small amount you pay for doctor’s visits, whereas coinsurance is an amount you pay in the event you need additional care. Your doctor cannot charge a you a co-pay for preventive care visits. Be sure that you fully understand any coinsurance payments your health insurance plan requires. In the event of a serious illness or injury, these costs can become very high.

A local independent agent in the Trusted Choice network can help you compare medical insurance quotes and find the right healthcare plan to match your current and anticipated needs.

Health Insurance Coverage Plans

There are a number of different types of health insurance plans for individuals and families. The following table provides a brief overview of the most common health insurance plans.

An independent agent in the Trusted Choice network specializing in healthcare insurance can answer all of your questions. You can also learn more from the following Healthcare and Health Insurance FAQ.

Healthcare and Health Insurance FAQ

Q: Is it possible to buy good yet cheap health insurance?

A: Between the policies offered on your state’s health insurance exchange and those offered on the private market, you should be able to find a variety of low cost health insurance plans. Frequently, these plans have a high deductible but will allow you preventive care at no additional cost and can prevent a major injury or illness from becoming excessively expensive through limits on out-of-pocket spending. Talk to a qualified agent about ways to cut expenses without sacrificing needed care or putting your family at risk of a large burden of debt.

Q: How does the Affordable Health Care Act affect health insurance?

A: The Affordable Health Care Act was an extensive overhaul of the healthcare system. It eliminated the legality of predatory insurance companies and it ensures that everyone has access to basic preventive care at no additional cost beyond their monthly premiums. Furthermore, those with pre-existing conditions can no longer be turned down or price-gouged by insurance companies. To fully understand how this legislation has affected you, you can talk to a qualified agent and get your questions answered.

Q: Does health insurance cover long term care?

A: Health insurance plans typically cover your regular health care and major medical care, such as hospital stays and surgeries, with costs and limitations varying considerably from one plan to another. Long term care insurance is a supplemental insurance policy that helps individuals get the care they need in the event of a chronic condition, such as an injury requiring rehabilitation in a care facility, or the onset of Alzheimer’s Disease.

Q: Does Medicare include long term care?

A: Medicare is a government health insurance program designed to help those over 65, and those with certain severe illnesses such as Lou Gehrig’s Disease. It helps to cover the costs of hospital stays, doctor’s visits, and prescription drugs. Long term care insurance is a supplemental insurance plan that helps to cover the costs associated with care for individuals with chronic conditions and disabilities.

Q: Can I get a free health insurance quote?

A: Yes. The agents in the Trusted Choice network offer free insurance quotes and can help you assess your needs as well. These independent agents work with multiple health insurance companies, which means they can compare a range of policies and options for you, and help you evaluate the right coverage for your needs.